Top Disneyland ride creator steps down

Tony Baxter began scooping ice cream at Disneyland in 1965 as a college job and rose up to spearhead the creation of some of the park's biggest rides, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Star Tours.

Now, 47 years later, Baxter is stepping down from overseeing Disneyland attractions.

Baxter, who lives in Anaheim Hills, announced Friday that he was leaving his job as senior vice president of creative development for Walt Disney Imagineering, the company's arm that creates and develops attractions. Baxter will stay on as a part-time mentor and consultant for "Imagineers," the term for employees in that department.

He made the announcement on his 66th birthday.

"It has been a wondrous 47 years," Baxter said in a statement. "The Imagineers I have known and shared these times with have provided invaluable experiences not to be found anywhere else on Earth. The future of Imagineering and Disney Parks is incredibly bright."

Born in Los Angeles, Baxter grew up in Orange County and graduated from Santa Ana High School. In 1965, Baxter began his career at Disneyland's Carnation Plaza Gardens, where he'd sometimes see Walt Disney himself.

At Disneyland, Baxter led the creation of some of Disneyland's major rides, including Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Abroad, Baxter oversaw the development of Disneyland Paris. He also worked on the creation of Walt Disney World.

On Friday, Baxter sent a letter to fellow Disney creators, saying he was available as a mentor.

"Like so many Imagineering greats before him, his creativity, passion and knowledge will have a remarkable impact on the next generations of (Disney) dreamers and doers," said Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, in a statement. "We thank Tony for his immeasurable contributions to the Disney legacy so far, and look forward to the next chapter of his Disney story."